Rance slams 'backward' fans after racist Betts attack

Richmond’s Alex Rance has slammed ‘backward’ fans in a compassionate defence of Adelaide’s Eddie Betts, who has once again found himself at the centre of a racism storm.

The star forward posed for a selfie with a Fremantle fan ahead of Sunday’s match at Optus Stadium, which later appeared on his Instagram account with his comment, “I have time for everyone”.

After the Crows’ upset loss he posted another image of the comments below the picture which included “Why with a monkey” by an unnamed user, to which he replied, “I have no time for this”.

The Crows believe the comment, which has been widely condemned, was made by a Perth-based fan.

So incensed by the incident, Rance used the unsavoury saga to show his support for Betts and outrage over the “unacceptable” racism still evident among sections of supporters.

Rance has leapt to the defence of Betts after a racist attack on the Crows star. Pic: Getty/Instagram

“I’m still so astounded and shocked that this still happens in society today,” Rance said on a video posted on Instagram.

“It is so backward and unacceptable. At what point did humanity ever become second place to such a trivial thing as a game?

“It is just a game that we play. We understand that it brings so much enjoyment and happiness to people’s lives, but why aren’t we focusing on that?

“Why aren’t we focusing on the love and respect and excitement and celebration that the game provides?

“Eddie Betts, of all players, is someone you could say brings that excitement and passion to our game. And it so frustrating at this point this is still happening in our society.

Rance is furious about the latest racial attack on Betts. Pic: Getty

“I don’t think the players can have a strong enough stance on this.”

The AFL says this latest sorry saga proves that the sport has a lot of work to do to educate fans that there is no place for racism in society.

“It’s unacceptable that our indigenous members continue to be racially vilified over the fence during games, in the community and in this instance, on social media,” AFLPA chief executive Paul Marsh said via statement released on Tuesday night.

“Despite the outstanding leadership indigenous players continue to display both on and off the field, they still remain targets for such shameful behaviour.

“This most recent incident involving Eddie Betts provides another opportunity to educate people about the significant hurt these types of words can cause a player, his or her family and their community.”

Betts is once again the victim of racism from AFL fans. Pic: Getty

Betts was the target of racist abuse in 2016 when a Port Adelaide fan threw a banana onto the field during a showdown clash at Adelaide Oval.

While clearly saddened and disappointed by the supporter’s actions, Betts forgave her and hoped the incident would help stamp out racist behaviour.

“Our entire club is committed to continuing to educate the broader community to promote a deeper respect and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and stamp out racial behaviour,” Johncock said.

“If this means we need to educate one person at a time so be it.

“For our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, in particular, any form of racist behaviour is extremely damaging and hurtful to them, their families and communities.”